Interview: California 2018 Dual-Threat QB Jalen Hamler Heating Up Off Season Camps

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

In-Article Photo Credit: Raymond Joyce

Twitter: @RJPSports

Entering the 2016 season, Lawndale High School quarterback Jalen Hamler was stepping into the unknown as a first-year starter taking over for graduated senior Chris Murray. Thirteen games later, the Cardinals saw improvement on the field and in the win-loss column bumping their record from 6-6 to 8-5 at the end of the 2016 schedule thanks in large part to their emerging talent in the pocket. That breakout season has laid the groundwork for a very important 2017 off-season for Hamler.

A lot of next level scouts have eyes on Hamler wanting to see more of his given talents slinging the ball around the yard and his growth as a field general. What is known of the 6-2, 190 pound, dual-threat, he completed 111-of-183 pass attempts for 2,014 yards with 23 touchdowns tossed against just two picks. Hamler added another 599 yards on the ground toting the ball 81 times with eight more scores posted during his junior campaign.

Interest is rising among college programs west of the Mississippi for the Los Angeles area talent. After strong showings at a Next Level Athletix Rise and Fire Quarterback Camp and at the Los Angeles Nike Opening Regional, Hamler is now preparing for a summer college camp circuit to show off his big arm and quick feet.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Hamler covering his off-season workouts, camps attended, and rising college recruiting interest.

Interview

Jalen, how are your off-season workouts going so far?

“They’ve been good. I’m working out with QB Coach Sam Fisher and doing a lot of beach workouts. I workout every day. My workouts are going pretty good.”

Are you playing on a 7v7 team this off-season?

“Yes, sir. I’m playing for Team Pass.”

How is 7v7 action going?

“It is going pretty good. We went to Vegas recently competing in the Passing Tournament. We came in third there. Playing 7v7 has been fun.”

Which camps have you attended so far?

“A Rise and Fire camp at Notre Dame High School (Los Angeles) and the LA Nike Opening Regional.”

How did the Nike camp go for you?

“It was good. There was a lot of nice competition there. There were a lot of guys to compare myself to. It was fun.”

What did you learn at the camp that will help you going forward?

“I learned more about the mechanics of the position and some of the basics that I can add to my game. I added some coverage beaters against defenses to my game from the camp.”

Which upcoming camps might you attend?

“I might go to the Nike Opening Regional in Oakland. I will probably attend an Arizona State camp and a Montana camp. I have been invited to both.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you right now?

“Cal-Poly, Air Force, Montana, and Arizona State.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits this off-season?

“I was supposed to go to Arizona State last weekend but I could not make it. I have been invited to Montana’ Junior Day on April 15. I will more than likely take an unofficial visit to Montana then.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“3.4.”

Have you received any of your standardized test scores yet?

“I got an 1130 on my SAT.”

Very nice. Jalen, congrats on all of the camp success so far and good luck going forward.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Jalen Hamler at a Rise and Fire Camp.